Be Encouraging
If you have an obese elderly person in your life don't nag, or make them feel ashamed of their weight. You can encourage them to lose weight by metaphorically being a cheerleader, and not a coach.
Ask them what they think is the best way to get back in shape. Don't push what you think is right onto them.
If the elderly person doesn't have a plan you could encourage them to buy healthy food, go walking, and not to eat out as much. Don't tell them that's what they have to do in order to lose weight, encourage them to do those things.
Be Active In Their Life
You could go with them to the grocery store, or even cook a healthy meal once a week for your loved one. Be on their team, and not just a bystander.
Some elderly people may not be active online, but you can print out healthy food recipes. Make sure its something you know they would like to eat. You could also research online if there's walking groups, or exercise classes for the elderly in the area. If there isn't, you could walk with them once a week.
Healthy Incentives
Another way to encourage an obese elderly family member to lose weight is by treating them when a milestone is met. A milestone could be anything from them not eating fast food for a month, to them losing five pounds.
Taking them out to eat is a bad way to celebrate. Instead do something that doesn't involve food. You could treat them to a movie, a manicure, take them to a sports game, or even buy them flowers.
Be Supportive
It's also important to know that if you're trying to help an obese elderly person lose weight, don't make all the conversations about diet and exercise. When you talk to them make sure to ask how they are doing, and what's going on in their life.
If every conversation is about losing weight, that person may start to feel pressure and back away from you. Be supportive of their life, not just their healthy lifestyle.
Be Positive
If they need to vent, listen and don't judge. If they stumble along the way, pick them back up. Never use judgmental language, or criticize them for messing up.
If the elderly person has a misstep with their diet, use encouraging language. Ask them if there's something you could do to help them get back on track. Remind them of what they have accomplished in order to help them get past the set back.